Castonzo Wants to Open a Foundation to Try and Cure Cancer

After signing his first NFL contract, Colts first-round offensive tackle Anthony Castonzo plans to open up a foundation to help find a cure for cancer, Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star reports.

“I have a pure hatred of the disease,” said Castonzo. “I’ve been blessed with so many opportunities and I’ve been able to capitalize on them. I feel like everybody deserves the opportunities I’ve been given and this disease just strips people of them.”

Castonzo lost his grandfather to lung cancer, and Boston College teammate Mark Herzlich missed the 2009 season with Ewing’s sarcoma, a form of bone cancer, which likely contributed to the linebacker not hearing his name called in the 2011 NFL Draft.

A 54-game starter for the Eagles, Castonzo is scheduled to start at left tackle, protecting Peyton Manning’s blindside.

“There are certain people born to play offensive line,” he said. “I’m one of them. I think it’s the attitude: You want to hit somebody every play.”